This policy addresses heatwave-related deaths and mitigation measures in Maharashtra. Data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), indicates the following deaths due to heat/sunstroke in Maharashtra: 2018 (128), 2019 (159), 2020 (56), 2021 (37), and 2022 (90). The State Disaster Management Authorities are supported by the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and State Disaster Mitigation Fund (SDMF). The Central Government considers requests for financial assistance in accordance with National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) and National Disaster Mitigation Fund (NDMF) guidelines.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD), in collaboration with research centers, has enhanced monitoring and early warning systems, including issuing seasonal and monthly outlooks, extended-range forecasts, and disseminating information via social media. A district-wise heatwave vulnerability atlas and a hot weather hazard analysis map are available to aid state authorities in planning. National and state-level heatwave preparedness meetings are conducted, and weather information is provided to Union Government ministries, State Governments, and local bodies.
Heat Action Plans (HAPs) have been implemented in 23 states, including all districts in Vidarbha and Marathwada. The National Disaster Management Authority's (NDMA) Common Alert Protocol (CAP) is being used by the IMD to disseminate timely alerts. The IMD has also created a web-based "Climate Hazard Vulnerability Atlas of India" (https://imdpune.gov.in/hazardatlas/abouthazard.html) for thirteen hazardous meteorological events, assisting state authorities in identifying hotspots and building climate change-resilient infrastructure.
The IMD disseminates weather information through mass media (radio, TV, newspapers), internet (email, FTP, mausam.imd.gov.in), IMD Apps (Mausam, Meghdoot, DAMINI, RAIN ALARM), and social media (Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/India.Meteorological.Department, X: https://twitter.com/Indiametdept, Blog: https://imdweather1875.wordpress.com, Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mausamnwfc, YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqxTReoq07UVARm87CuyQw).
Key Entities Referenced
Maharashtra: State in India that experienced heatwave-related deaths.
National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB): Agency under Ministry of Home Affairs, providing data on deaths due to heatstroke.
State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF): Fund available to state disaster management authorities.
State Disaster Mitigation Fund (SDMF): Fund available to state disaster management authorities.
National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF): Fund from which the Central Government provides financial assistance to states.
National Disaster Mitigation Fund (NDMF): Fund from which the Central Government provides financial assistance to states.
India Meteorological Department (IMD): Agency responsible for monitoring, forecasting, and issuing warnings about heatwaves.
Heat Action Plans (HAPs): Plans implemented in 23 states to mitigate the impact of heatwaves.
Ministry of Earth Sciences
PARLIAMENT QUESTION: HEATWAVE-RELATED
DEATHS AND MITIGATION MEASURES IN
MAHARASHTRA
Posted On: 07 AUG 2025 3:54PM by PIB Delhi
The latest data of deaths due to Heat/Sun Stroke in Maharashtra during 2018-2022, as available from the National
Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), is given in Annexure-1.
The State disaster management authorities have their resources available through the State Disaster Response
Fund (SDRF) and State Disaster Mitigation Fund (SDMF) to support it. If there is a request from the States for
financial assistance, the Central Government considers it in accordance with the relevant guidelines for the
National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) and National Disaster Mitigation Fund (NDMF).
The India Meteorological Department (IMD), in collaboration with various research centers across the country,
has undertaken several initiatives to enhance monitoring and early warning systems. These efforts have
significantly contributed to minimizing the loss of life and property during extreme weather events, including
heat waves. These include:
Issuing seasonal and monthly outlooks, followed by extended-range forecasts of temperature and
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heatwave conditions. The early warning and forecast information are also disseminated through various
social media platforms for timely public outreach.
District-wise heatwave vulnerability Atlas over India to help State Government authorities and disaster
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management agencies in planning.
The hot weather hazard analysis map of India incorporates daily data on temperature, wind patterns, and
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humidity levels.
A series of National and State-level heatwave preparedness meetings are conducted much before the start
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of the summer season, with regular review meetings from time to time during the season.
The weather information is provided to all the stakeholders, including the ministries of the Union Government,
State Governments, and local Government bodies. Further, Heat Action Plans (HAPs) have been implemented in
23 States, including all districts in Vidarbha and Marathwada that are particularly vulnerable to heatwave
conditions. These plans are a joint initiative by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in
collaboration with the respective State Governments. The Common Alert Protocol (CAP), developed by the
NDMA, is also being implemented to disseminate warnings and timely alerts by the IMD.
IMD has also brought out a web-based online "Climate Hazard & Vulnerability Atlas of India" prepared for the
thirteen most hazardous meteorological events, which cause extensive damage and economic, human, and animal
losses. The same can be accessed at https://imdpune.gov.in/hazardatlas/abouthazard.html. This atlas will help
State Government authorities and disaster management agencies identify the hotspots and plan and take
appropriate action to tackle extreme weather events. This product is helpful in building Climate Change resilient
infrastructure. Further, the India Meteorological Department provides weather information to the public through
various platforms:
Mass Media: Radio/TV, Newspaper network (AM, FM, Community Radio, Private TV), Prasar
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Bharati, and private broadcasters
Weekly & Daily Weather Video
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Internet (email), FTP
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Public Website (mausam.imd.gov.in)
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IMD Apps: Mausam/Meghdoot/DAMINI/RAIN ALARM
(cid:108)Social Media: Facebook, X, Instagram, BLOG
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1. X: https://twitter.com/IndiametdeptFacebook:
https://www.facebook.com/India.Meteorological.Department/Blog:
https://imdweather1875.wordpress.com/Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/mausam_nwfcYouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_qxTReoq07UVARm87CuyQw
Deaths due to Heat/Sun Stroke in Maharashtra during 2018-2022:
S. No. Year Number of deaths
1. 2018 128
2. 2019 159
3. 2020 56
4. 2021 37
5. 2022 90
Source: As per data provided by the State, Accidental Deaths &
Suicides in India, National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), Ministry
of Home Affairs (MHA).
This information was given by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science
and Technology, Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, MoS Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Department of
Atomic Energy and Department of Space, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.
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NKR/PSM/AV